Monroe native's spec script picked up by Paramount

Justin Malen, a Monroe native who has written numerous spec scripts in various stages of development, has seen his creation "Bastards" get scooped up by a major studio.

Justin Malen, a Monroe native who has written numerous spec scripts in various stages of development, has seen his creation "Bastards" get scooped up by a major studio.

According to numerous insider reports, including this from Empire, Malen's "Bastards" has been picked up by Paramount Pictures for six figures. The studio has moved it to the Montecito Picture Company for production; the company, owned by comedy producer Ivan Reitman, has produced the films "Road Trip," "Old School," "I Love You, Man" and "Up in the Air."

The spec script details two adult brothers who find out their biological father is still alive, despite being told otherwise as children. The comedy follows them on a road trip to locate the father, who can be one of many candidates.

Malen wrote in an email that the script is partly based in Suffern.

This six-figure deal for the spec script is somewhat unusual for these times, when studios push material from other media (books, television), or established producers create projects with actors established under their umbrellas.

For a 2009 story about Malen and his quest to pursue his writing dreams, click here.